What are the symptoms of depression?
Symptoms of depression are not the same for everyone. The frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms vary with each individual.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or anxiousness
- Feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, or guilt
- Restlessness, irritability
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Loss of interest (e.g. activities and hobbies, including sex)
- Remembering details, difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Insomnia, excessive sleeping
- Loss of appetite, over eating
- Suicidal thoughts, attempts
- Persistent headaches, aches or pains, cramps, digestive problems otherwise reduced by treatment1
Impact of Depression
Depressive symptoms can impede personal functioning and create problems in work, family, and social adjustment. Serious depression may not only be harmful to one’s personal life, but can adversely impact family life, as well.
Depression has been described as a “whole-body” illness that can negatively influence one’s sleep, eating, self-esteem, mindset, as well as one’s relationships and physical well-being. Depression is not simply feeling sad from time to time, feeling tired after working hard, or feeling discouraged during a major life stressor. Depression usually lasts longer, is more intense, and interferes with work, family, and school responsibilities. It follows that depression influences one’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Changes in Thinking: This may manifest itself with problems in concentration or decision making. Some report lapses in short term memory and forgetting things. Negative thoughts are also characteristic of depression. Poor self-esteem, pessimism, self criticism, and excessive guilt are all common. In some people, self-destructive thoughts are indicative that their depression is more severe.
Changes in Feelings: A person who is depressed may feel down for no apparent reason. Some people recall experiencing a loss of pleasure in things they once thought were enjoyable. A person may lack motivation or become increasingly apathetic, constantly feel tired, or have difficulty controlling their temper. A Person feeling depressed may experience feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Changes in Behavior: How you act during depression is likely a reflection of what you are feeling. You may act apathetic, because you feel that way. Some people feel uncomfortable in social situations when they are depressed and as a result, withdraw. Others experience a shift in appetite, eating more or hardly eating. Due to the chronic sadness seen in depression, frequent crying is also common. Some people express constant complaints and act out anger with heated outbursts. For others, sexual interest may diminish, resulting in less sexual activity. In extreme cases, some people also neglect personal appearance and hygiene. Quite often persons who are depressed are not active, and consequently, household responsibilities and work productivity suffer. For some, even the act of getting out of bed is a challenge.
Changes in Physical Health: Findings have drawn connections between negative emotions and negative physical symptoms. Chronic fatigue, lack of sleep, excessive sleep, loss of appetite, aches and pains, and difficulty sitting are all negative physical symptoms associated with depression.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, and have been for several weeks, depression may be present in your life. If you think you or someone you love may be suffering from depression, a mental health profession may be able to help. Depression is treatable. Research has found that the majority of people battling depression can not only improve, but make significant gains in the way they feel and adjust to life.
Click HERE for information on the treatment of depression.
